Barrier Recovery Progression
Immediate moisture-loss reduction. As your actives initiate a normal purging phase, DermaSeal creates a biomimetic shield to calm inflammation and accelerate the healing of emerging breakouts.
The formula's Ceramide NP and Squalane begin filling gaps in the stratum corneum. Skin feels more resilient and less reactive to environmental stressors.
Deep-level stabilization. Inflammation is significantly lowered and the skin's natural ability to retain water is functionally restored.
Maximum barrier integrity. Skin appears dense, supple, and healthy with a natural glow that comes from restored lipid function rather than surface oil.
The Philosophy
DermaSeal is a high-performance second-skin moisturising treatment designed to seal in moisture and repair the skin's lipid barrier. It functions as the final and most critical step in the Qunat protocol — the occlusive layer that locks in every active applied before it, prevents transepidermal water loss, and directly replaces the ceramide lipids that barrier dysfunction and inflammation break down. Without this step, every serum and emulsion applied before it partially evaporates overnight rather than absorbing into the skin:
Pharmaceutical-grade Paraffinum Liquidum at 12% forms a physical occlusive barrier on the skin surface that prevents transepidermal water loss without blocking oxygen exchange. Unlike petrolatum, pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is highly refined, non-comedogenic at this concentration, and produces a breathable rather than suffocating occlusive film. It is the same grade used in post-procedure skincare for its documented barrier restoration properties.
Ceramide NP directly replaces the ceramide lipids that constitute the skin's natural barrier matrix. When the barrier is compromised by inflammation, acne, or harsh actives, ceramide levels in the stratum corneum drop — creating the gaps through which moisture escapes and irritants enter. Ceramide NP fills these gaps structurally rather than just coating the surface. Squalane at 10% is a skin-identical emollient that mimics the sebaceous lipids produced naturally by the skin, providing deep emollient hydration without the comedogenic risk of heavier oils.
Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis) and Bearberry Extract (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi) provide antioxidant and skin-brightening activity within the moisturiser base. Bearberry contains arbutin, a natural tyrosinase inhibitor, which adds a fourth pigmentation-interruption mechanism to the protocol. Green Tea polyphenols neutralise free radical activity in the barrier lipid layer. Both work passively as the occlusive base does its primary job overnight.
Layering Guide
DermaSeal is always the final step — applied to slightly damp skin immediately after AzelaiK 12%. Nothing goes on top of DermaSeal. Its occlusive base seals everything applied before it in place for the full duration of overnight absorption.
Used once a week as your first step on that day only. Apply to dry skin, massage to exfoliate, then rinse before moving to the BHA Gel Cleanser.
Daily first cleanse. Dissolves SPF, makeup, and environmental pollutants without stripping the acid mantle.
Daily second cleanse. Salicylic Acid decongests the pore lining while Panthenol maintains barrier integrity throughout.
First active step. Blocks the plasminogen-plasmin melanin signalling pathway before pigment production begins. Allow 60 seconds to absorb.
Triple-pathway brightening serum applied after TraneXaMilk. Allow 60 seconds to absorb before HydraPep.
Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid and Matrixyl 3000 plump the barrier and lock all actives in place. Apply to slightly damp skin before AzelaiK 12%.
Applied after serums as an emulsion. Micronized Azelaic Acid penetrates the follicular lining to correct PIH and PIE while its lipid base seals the serums underneath.
Apply a generous layer to slightly damp skin immediately after AzelaiK 12%. Press gently into the skin — do not rub. Nothing is applied on top. Ceramide NP and Squalane seal every active applied underneath and prevent transepidermal water loss throughout the night.
Apply DermaSeal to slightly damp skin for maximum occlusive efficacy. Always apply SPF the following morning.
Key Ingredients
Pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil that forms a breathable occlusive film on the skin surface. Prevents transepidermal water loss by physically sealing the barrier without blocking oxygen exchange. The same grade used in post-procedure and medical skincare for documented barrier restoration.
A skin-identical emollient derived from sugarcane that mimics the sebaceous lipids produced naturally by the skin. Provides deep emollient hydration, improves skin suppleness, and absorbs without greasiness or comedogenic risk.
Directly replaces the ceramide lipids that constitute the stratum corneum's natural lipid matrix. Fills the gaps created by barrier dysfunction, reducing transepidermal water loss and restoring the skin's intrinsic moisture retention capacity.
Contains natural arbutin, a tyrosinase inhibitor that adds passive brightening activity within the moisturiser base. Combined with Green Tea Extract's antioxidant polyphenols, it contributes to the overall anti-pigmentation protocol while the barrier repair ingredients do their primary overnight work.
Full Ingredients: Aqua, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidu), Squalane, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Sodium PCA, Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis), Bearberry Extract, Carbomer,Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide q.s. to pH 5.4 to 5.6.
How to Use
- Apply as the absolute final step in your PM routine, after AzelaiK 12% has been applied and pressed in.
- While skin is still slightly damp from the previous steps, apply a generous amount of DermaSeal to the fingertips and press gently into the skin using upward motions. Do not rub — pressing allows the ceramide and squalane base to sit on the surface and form the occlusive layer rather than being worked into the skin like a serum.
- Apply more generously than you would a standard moisturiser. The occlusive efficacy of this formula depends on a sufficient film being present on the surface — a thin layer is less effective than a full coverage application.
- Pay particular attention to areas of active dryness, sensitivity, or post-inflammatory redness. On GlycoGommage days, apply DermaSeal more generously than usual as exfoliation temporarily increases transepidermal water loss.
- Do not apply anything on top. DermaSeal is designed to be the final barrier between your skin and the environment overnight. Any product applied on top of it cannot penetrate through the occlusive layer.
- In the morning, rinse with lukewarm water or your first cleanse. Any residue left on the skin is the Squalane and Ceramide base continuing to work — it is not a sign of over-application.
Clinical Evidence
Every Qunat formula is built on published clinical research. These are the most relevant studies that informed the DermaSeal formulation:
For Ceramide NP to Restore Barrier Integrity
TEWL Reduction with Ceramide Cleanser
Squalane Lipid Profile
Supportive Research and Clinical Data:
SEAL IN THE CORRECTION:
TraneXaMilk + DermaSeal
TraneXaMilk blocks the melanin signalling pathway at the source. DermaSeal seals those actives into the skin overnight with a ceramide and squalane barrier. Together they correct pigmentation and prevent moisture loss simultaneously.
Tranexamic Acid interrupts the plasminogen-plasmin signalling pathway that triggers melanin production, addressing PIH and PIE at the source. DermaSeal's Ceramide NP and Squalane base then creates an occlusive seal that locks the active in place overnight and prevents the transepidermal water loss that would otherwise allow the barrier to remain compromised between applications.